Cricket fans around the world have been left in awe of Mitch Owen after the opener smashed the fastest century in BBL history to hand the Hurricanes a maiden BBL title as calls grow for Ricky Ponting to find the batter an IPL contract. The Sydney Thunder opened the batting on Monday night and posted what they thought was a competitive total of 182 on a solid batting pitch.

Captain David Warner got the Thunder off to a strong start having fallen short of a half-century with 48 off 32 balls. However, with a total of 200 looking likely, Riley Meredith and Nathan Ellis produced their best bowling to halt the innings.

Ellis removed two in consecutive balls with the score at 0-97, before Meredith also managed to put himself on a hat-trick. While the Hobart Hurricanes would have been filled with confidence after reining the Thunder back to 182 at Ninja Stadium, no one saw what was coming next.

The third-highest run scorer of the BBL entered the crease with Owen averaging 38.50 with 308 for the tournament. And the 23-year-old produced arguably the competitions greatest ever knock having equalled the fastest-ever century with 104 off 39 balls.

Owen finished with a strike rate of 257.14 as he blasted 11 sixes throughout his spectacular innings. The Hurricanes were 1-107 before Caleb Jewell’s wicket fell. The Hurricanes cruised to 185 having lost just three wickets with a staggering 35 balls to spare.

Australia’s greatest ever run-scorer Ponting, a Tasmanian, was in commentary for Channel 7 and couldn’t hide his elation at watching the Hurricanes finally win their maiden BBL title after 14 years.

“Take a bow you boys in purple,” the former Test captain said with excitement. And while the cricket world watched Owen produce one of the greatest T20 knocks ever seen many were also questioning why no Indian Premier League franchise signed the 23-year-old.

Ricky Ponting urged to get Mitch Owen an IPL contract

Before the 2024/25 season, Owen had only played 13 games for Hobart across four seasons. However, his move to the top of the order – a decision Ponting helped orchestrate – has changed his career. Although due Owen only producing his world class cricket in recent months it meant the 23-year-old missed out on a potentially lucrative deal in the IPL.

In fact, if the auction was pushed back just a few months Owen would no doubt be earning upwards of a $1 million after his season. Instead, Owen was not selected in the auction back in November as the BBL season was starting.

Owen not even getting a look in during the IPL auction has surprised many fans, now in hindsight, with Ponting currently the newly appointed head coach of Punjab Kings. Ponting already opted not to purchase both Steve Smith and David Warner for his franchise – with both going unsold – and Owen didn’t appear to be on the radar. Although calls are growing for Owen to be selected immediately as an injury back-up.

Owen still has a chance to feature in this year’s IPL tournament with franchises allowed to call in a player if one of their signings is injured or withdraws. This could land Owen the biggest contract of his young career. And while many want Ponting to bring Owen in for the Kings, others just want to see the Australian play in the world’s richest cricket league.

Mitch Owen stunned after Hurricanes win first BBL title

Fans around Bellerive Oval chanted ‘Owen’ after the Hurricanes successfully chased down their target as more than 15,000 fans celebrates the state’s success. And Owen himself was left stunned at how it all unfolded.

“That was super special,” Owen said. “The most special thing is hearing everyone in the crowd enjoying it. And I’m so grateful, I’m so proud that we could bring this trophy to Tassie.”

Meredith, who is a local, was also emotional having helped deliver the state their first title. “I’ve been a fan of the Hurricanes since BBL1,” he said.